Last updated on: 2/13/2017 | Author: ProCon.org

Brantley Gasaway, PhD Biography

Title:
Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Department Chair at Bucknell University
Position:
Con to the question "Should the Words “under God” Be in the US Pledge of Allegiance?"
Reasoning:

“In my opinion, I think asking public school children to recite the phrase (voluntary or not) ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance is in direct violation of the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution. Although I think the pledge is unconstitutional across the board, in this post I am purely arguing for the purposes of addressing the pledge recitation in classrooms, not the pledge itself. It seems clear to me having this phrase in the pledge is not ‘neutral’ in both senses of the word. It is not neutral among all religious denominations because it is embracing a monotheistic idea, and it is not neutral among religion and non-religion because it is clearly supporting theistic and religious belief.”

“Challenging the Pledge of Allegiance,” religionandamericanlaw.blogspot.com, Oct. 5, 2015
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
    Experts
Individuals with JD's, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to government and constitutional law. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to government and constitutional law.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Associate Professor and Department Chair, Religious Studies, Bucknell University, 2015-present
  • Assistant Professor, Religious Studies, Bucknell University, 2009-2015
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Law, Politics, and Society, Drake University, 2007-2009
Education:
  • PhD, Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007
  • Miami University, MA, Comparative Religion, 1998
  • BA, Religion, The College of William and Mary, 1996
Other:
  • Twitter handle: @BrantleyGasaway
  • Recipient, William J. Peck Student Teacher Award for Outstanding Achievement
Quoted in:
  1. Should the Words "under God" Be in the US Pledge of Allegiance?